history

Regarding the history of the Hungarian Holocaust, two fundamental issues should be considered: the unacceptability of “whitewashing” or “cleansing” the Holocaust as well as the unacceptability of ”blackening” history by denying, omitting or belittling rescue initiatives and anti-Nazi activities in Hungary even after Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the country.

A dirty story through and through, but in the tragic aftermath of this coup, the West has maintained the dominant narrative of “Russia in Crimea” whereas the true narrative is “USA in Ukraine”. The truth is not being aired in the West.

In simple terms, the monument is there to memorialise all the victims of the 1944 occupation of Hungary, all of them without exception. And, to declare a personal interest, that includes me. An article by György Schöpflin, MEP.

They deserved more. The victims of World War II, especially of the year 1944, the year the Hungarian Holocaust began. They deserve a collective, national commemoration. And it could have happened, maybe still could. But the bitter conflicts in the Hungarian Kulturkampf have seemingly ruined the possibility of an honest, collective payment of respects. Did the government fail? Does the boycott of Hungarian Jewish organisations make any sense and can it serve a real purpose?

The World Jewish Congress came to Budapest to warn Hungary of growing anti-Semitism in the country. While there are worrisome cases of anti-Semitism, the capital boasts a vivid Jewish life, with new synagogues and vibrant civic initiatives.

March of the Living for historical remembrance and solidarity. Critical Mass for a renewed and liveable city. And both events on the first warm and sunny days of the spring. After a long, cold winter, could this be a sign of hope for more normalcy in Hungarian public life?

In 2010, Fideszland was born. At that time I began a piece on the topic, and I have continued to write it ever since. Consider the following short paragraphs as if they were Post-Its clinging to an unfinished article covering an ongoing story about a never-ending topic: the status of the Hungarian Right.

Our hands. They sweat on the cold bottle, and our clothes smell of gasoline. Although it's cold, the window is open, and perspiration drips from our forehead. The buzz gets stronger and stronger. The few remaining shards of glass clink in the broken window. The watcher hiding on the upper story of the building opposite raises his hand. It's our signal. Running to the window. Throwing without aiming.

More than a decade into the 21st century, Admiral Miklós Horthy's legacy is still a matter of hot political debate in Hungary. While not surprising, it has become somewhat tragicomic. Horthy is a part of our history. We have certainly had better leaders than Horthy. But we have also had worse. Could sober minds find some less-controversial and more acceptable historical figures to honor?

This is our last choice, the final call and we won't have any other opportunity but joining and supporting Standing Rock movement in order to protect the natural resources of life for this planet. Not for us, but for the planet, for Life.

By the dismantling of the Iron Curtain, Tokaji aszu (TOKE-eye-ee AHS-ew) was almost a historic footnote, a half-forgotten luxury of centuries past. You can now find quite a few superb Hungarian wine producers.

On one side are politicians like Angela Merkel, Jean-Claude Juncker, Barack Obama and Pope Francis. On the other are Victor Orbán, Marine Le Pen, Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu.

The Hungarian government’s first priority is the rule of law; i.e., its obligations under the Schengen and the Dublin regulations and its responsibility to Hungarian citizens, who expect security and competence.